After struggling to find his game at St. John’s, combined with the transfer-happy era in which we live, many people thought guard Ian Jackson would be looking for his third team in three years. However, Jackson, along with big man Ruben Prey, is one of the lone two rotation players who have decided to return to St. John’s. Coach Pitino and many of Jackson’s former teammates are very excited about the loyalty that Jackson showed. Even though it was not the sophomore season that he was hoping for, Jackson still believed in Pitino’s system. The question remains: Can Jackson turn things around at St. John’s?
Is St. John’s Ian Jackson Due For A Big Year?
Jackson’s Imperfect College Career
It was not too long ago that Jackson was a highly touted five-star recruit heading to North Carolina. Rivals had Jackson rated as the number eight recruit in the country ahead of Derik Queen, Kon Knueppel, and Liam McNeeley, among others. As a freshman, Jackson had his ups and downs. He ended the year coming off the bench, averaging 12 points per game while playing 24 minutes a game and shooting 46% from the floor. The year ultimately ended with Jackson as a projected second-round pick.
Even with this projection, Jackson decided to stay in college and opt for the transfer portal. He left North Carolina to head home to New York and transfer to St. John’s. Per Jackson, his explanation for transferring was:
“For me, it was just about who’s going to let me go and go play. “Let me be me.” “Let me go make plays, be Ian Jackson.” That was big for me, especially this year, [which] is going to be a big year. I just wanted to be somewhere where I could be free and just play and win games. For me, St John’s is important.”
He cited the importance of being able to play his game. Later on in the interview, he also stated the importance of getting the chance to play for Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino.
With big expectations heading into last year, Jackson’s homecoming looked like a perfect marriage. This homecoming, however, did not live up to its lofty expectations. Jackson struggled with inconsistency for much of the season, at times looking lost in Pitino’s system. He saw his playing time dip to 18 minutes a game and his scoring to nine points per game. He averaged 1.4 turnovers per game and lost his starting position to Dylan Darling by the end of the year.
Why There Is Hope For Ian Jackson
Last year’s struggles have left many people skeptical of Jackson making a big impact at St. John’s. However, there are still reasons to believe that Jackson is going to have a big year this upcoming season. First and foremost, Jackson has a ton of talent. The flashes have been there with his ability to create his own shot and beat defenders off the dribble. Looking at recent success, staying in Pitino’s system for two years paid dividends for Zuby Ejiofor. In year two at St. John’s, Ejiofor’s points per game tripled from year one, and his rebounds doubled. He was also named to the All-Big East first team in year two.
On top of another year in St. John’s system, Pitino recently added EuroLeague point guard Quinn Ellis. Ellis started 30 out of 35 games at point guard in the EuroLeague this year. This addition will give Jackson the ability to play off-ball more. Last year, out of necessity, Jackson was playing point guard for St. John’s. Pitino has taken the blame multiple times for playing Jackson out of position.
Most recently, in a meeting with the media yesterday, Pitino said:
“I played you at the wrong position and you suffered because of it.” Pitino later added, “I think Ian is going to benefit greatly from playing with Quinn.”
Time will tell if returning to St. John’s was the right move for Jackson. It certainly looks brighter heading into year two with a point guard like Ellis now on St. John’s roster. Jackson is able to play his natural position of shooting guard. Along with another year in the Hall of Fame coach’s system, this should have St. John’s fans very excited for Jackson next year.
Featured Image: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
